The Doom that Came to Winslow: Epilogue

The Parahuman Age, Wonder and Terror, Episode 6: Winslow.

BBC Productions.

“In our last episode, we stood on a platform, looking into a fairy tale kingdom masking horror. The Ellisburg Containment Zone—in fact, the BBC is one of the only news organizations allowed to be so close to the zone, and that required us to agree to a full week of quarantine after we shot our segment.”

Reporter gestures behind him.

“Today, I’m standing in front of the Fourth Street Depot, a place where the city of Brockton Bay stores its road work vehicles. Now.

“Just over a year and a half ago, this place was known as Winslow High School. In the aftermath of Ostracizer’s death and the resultant chaos, the school was burned down by parties still unknown… despite at least one officer being on the scene. Plans to use it as a new school site, or park ran aground on the superstitious fears that despite the assurances of the PRT, the Master’s influence might linger… and yet, leaving the ruins merely reminded everyone of the tragedy. So now, a part of the community, albeit not a respected one, has been erased and replaced with a lot where city vehicles are stored.”

Reporter moves to a area by the gates, one with flowers and teddy bears put in a little shrine.

“Sadly, out of sight does not mean out of mind. In the 18 months since the school’s closure, the human toll continues. Six former Winslow pupils have committed suicide. Rates of drug abuse, suicidal ideation, and general feelings of fear and depression are also higher than normal. Even with PRT help, the generally lower socio-economic level of the Winslow student body places extensive barriers between them and psychological assistance—although not, perhaps, as severe as the simple fear that a psychologist might use their secrets against them. To Master them, even if by mundane methods. In addition, many victims have found themselves ostracized, due to the fear that they may still be influenced by their experiences at Winslow. The consequences of Winslow will continue to play out for years to come—for some, will play out for the rest of their life.

“As for the faculty, fewer than 20 percent continue to work in education. Patricia Blackwell returned to her parent’s hometown and is assistant manager of a 99 cent store. James Gladly perished three months ago in a wreck brought on by his intoxicated state—an alcoholism that many blame on the events that transpired here. Similar stories are all too common among those who find that their very minds were twisted—without them even being aware of the fact.

“In fact, in our interviews, it became plain that for most ‘getting over’ is not an option. They may come to terms with what happened here, but the events will always mark them.”

Reporter turns to gesture at the city, the Rig visible in the bay.

“And what of Julia? The PRT in our interviews stressed that had she come in for assistance, when she had first triggered, these horrifying events may have been averted. Possibly. But Human Masters, more than any other parahuman, are trusted by few—even themselves. After all, how can they be certain those around them are not being twisted?  Worse, with comparisons such as Heartbreaker and Bad Canary always on the lips of others, they know that all around them will be eternally suspicious, and a lifetime of service may be blotted out by one mistake, with the mob baying for their blood.”

Reporter shakes his head.

“In fact, the answer may be that there is no answer. Such powers will always remain fraught, those who possess them will be faced with distrust, and that very distrust will tend to drive Human Masters away from the help that might have kept a sexually abused teenager from turning into a monster.”

Reporter turns back to the camera.

“This is James McKinnon, from the BBC World News.”

End Broadcast.

*****

From: Chief Director Costa-Brown

To: Director Emily Piggot

RE: Ostracizer.

All interviews have been filed, and at this point it is confirmed that no parahuman influence relating to this case remains. For that reason, Case File 17: Ostracizer, will be moved into the INACTIVE files and the case will be closed, unless further developments occur. All personnel will be reassigned to active cases.

From: E. Piggot

To: Chief Director Costa-Brown

RE: Ostracizer

Agreed.

End.